ABC Agbiz Congress

5-6 June 2012

ABC Council Meetings

Crop Estimates

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Doubts Over Food Security Plan

http://business.iafrica.com/ news/787701.html

SA's biggest challenge is the food price volatility and anticompetitive behaviour in the agriculture sector that affects food security and planning for hunger reduction programmes, according to Langa Zita, director-general in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  Delivering his department's 2012 strategic plan to the portfolio committee on agriculture, forestry and fisheries last week, he said his department would ensure that extension services - especially in forestry and fisheries, the least-developed sectors - were improved to increase their role in food production...
John Purchase, CEO of the Agricultural Business Chamber, said there was concern about whether the department's strategic plan correctly identified the challenges and risks.  Read the full article»
Source: Business Day, 3 April 2012

Historical Moment for Two Agricultural Heavyweights

Senwes from Klerksdorp and NWK from Lichtenburg, both successful companies in the agricultural sector for more than 100 years and ABC members, announced on Monday a merger of the insurance business of NWK and Senwes' insurance business, namely Univision Financial Services.  This transaction is aligned with the growth strategies of both parties and the objective to operate optimally in an extremely competitive global business environment.  Read media release»»

IDC's 2012 Strategic Plan Submission to Parliament

The IDC recently submitted its 2012 Strategic Plan to the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development in Parliament. Please note the significant priority afforded to agro-industry, rural development and related sectors.

BUSA Parliamentary NewsWatch

In this issue of Parliamentary NewsWatch:
* Parliament Now 
   Updates on:
   - The Independent System and Market
      Operator Bill;  
   - Labour Law Amendments; 
   - Rental Housing Amendment Bill; 
   - Protection of Personal Information Bill; and
   - Skills Development Amendment Bill

* A New Dawn for Infrastructure - Parliament responds to the 2012 National Budget

* The Future of Electricity
   - Government answers questions from MPs

* A Health Ombud for SA
   - BUSA's submission on the National Health Amendment Bill

* Bills at Parliament - a list of all legislation currently tabled.

NAMC TradeProbe

Werksmans Legal Werks

ABC Awards Centenary Bursary

The Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC) makes an annual bursary available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics, or agribusiness management, at any recognised South African university. 

This year the bursary has been awarded to Ms Nandipha Mbizana who is registered for a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Fort Hare.  Her academic records show that she is a top student who consistently performs at very good to distinction levels.  In 2009 Nandipha received an award for outstanding academic performance.

Suidwes Appoints new General Manager: Commercial

Patrick Nelissen (49) was appointed as the Suidwes Group's new General Manager: Commercial as from 1 May 2012, and will form part of Suidwes' Executive Management.

Patrick has 10 years experience in the Agricultural retail business and is currently the Managing Director of AFGRI Retail as well as Managing Director of Partrite - a wholesale business in Bethlehem.

The ABC is actively involved in negotiating for a regulatory environment, with regard to BEE, which is enabling and enhancing towards agribusiness to implement their BEE strategies and achieve their growth and business goals, also to the benefit of the country and its people.

To do this, we urgently need information from members to enable us to sufficiently represent your needs - now more than ever, considering the B-BBEE Amendment Bill, as well as the AgriBEE Sector Codes, that have just recently been gazetted for public comments. Hence, we're doing this survey. Click here for more information and to complete questionnaire online»  or click here to download the questionnaire in PDF format» and fax to 012 807 5600.

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) has announced a training program targeting emerging economies and smallholder farmers.  The Scientific Cooperation Research Program's (SCRP) objective is to reduce global poverty and hunger by supporting applied scientific research, extension, or education projects that address challenges faced by smallholder farmers in emerging economies. 

To be considered, you must work collaboratively with a U.S. institution (which would be the lead institution).  Proposals should focus on addressing agricultural challenges to smallholder farmers in the following areas: improving agricultural productivity; creating sustainable agricultural systems; and building regional or trade capacities.  Please make sure you read the linked grant announcement for important details on eligibility and how to apply. 

The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, April 18, 2012.  Proposal submissions or questions related to this program should be directed to Jamilah Fagbene at Jamilah.Fagbene@fas.usda.gov or at (202) 720-3160.  However, in order for our office to keep track of all applications, we would appreciate it if you cc Margaret Ntloedibe on all correspondence.

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) invites you to join the business delegation during the Trade and Investment Mission to Douala and Yaoundé in Cameroon, from 19 - 25 May 2012. The mission will be led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Elizabeth Thabethe. This mission is a continuation of government to government initiative to deepen economic relations between South Africa and Cameroon.

Invitation»
Registration form» 

Infrastructure Africa Indaba

Africa - A time for transformation
10 - 11 July 2012 * Sandton Convention Centre * Johannesburg

The annual Infrastructure Africa Business Forum will present stakeholders with an opportunity to unpack the enourmous growth potential in addressing Africa's infrastructure needs.  The 2 day Business forum will bring together business to explore new trading opportunities, establish new business networks, develop and form partnerships and plan a way forward to address some of the continent's requirements.  Key sectors to be featured at the 2012 event include: Power & Energy, Transport - Roads / Rail / Ports / Air, Water & Sanitation, Agriculture and ICT & Telecommunication.

Download a brochure»
Draft programme»
 

10% Discount to ABC members who attend the event.

Ten reasons to visit Bien Donné Agri Cape Week: 19 - 21 April

On Friday, 20 April 2012 Bien Donné Agri Cape Week will again host the VinPro and Winetech Technical Information Day. Prominent experts will talk about relevant matters and will also entertain questions. 
Mega Events' popular workshop "From the Vineyard to the Wine Glass" will be hosted on Thursday, 19 April. The key note speaker is the popular wine industry expert, John Lloyd.

Visitors to this years' Bien Donné Agri Cape Week 2012 can look forward to the annual Forklift driver competition that will take place on Thursday, 19 April, at the Bien Donné Research Farm.

See more reason to visit the Bien Donne Agri Cape Week»

Events

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